Zelensky, Erdogan make joint statement following meeting in Turkey

This is said in a joint statement following the meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan that took place on October 16, the Ukrainian president’s press service reports.

“We agree to continue our efforts towards de-occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as restoration of Ukraine’s control over certain areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine,” the two presidents stated.

In particular, the Republic of Turkey welcomes the cooperation within the Crimean Platform initiated by Ukraine.

The heads of two states agreed to continue to coordinate joint efforts to ensure the protection of human rights in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as to release all illegally detained Ukrainian citizens. The leads also agreed to improve living conditions for Ukrainian citizens, including Crimean Tatars, who have been forced to leave the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea and move to mainland Ukraine.

The two presidents noted the importance of concluding negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey as soon as possible, and emphasized the need to intensify cooperation within the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

“The Republic of Turkey will continue to assist Ukraine in meeting the criteria for membership to the Alliance, as well as the interoperability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with NATO, including through appropriate joint military exercises. We emphasize the importance of joint efforts to strengthen peace, security and stability in the Black Sea region through regional mechanisms and NATO,” reads the document.

As reported by Ukrinform, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky paid a working visit to Turkey on October 16.

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